Nott Who She Thought She Was

Chapter 3

Finally, the swirling sensation came to an abrupt stop. Hermione stumbled slightly as her feet hit shining white marble. Theo was quick to catch her before she fell. He gave her an apologetic smile as she righted herself and stepped away from his touch. She had barely a moment to look around the large circular entryway before Mr. Nott apparated into the foyer.

"Welcome home, Hermione." he gave her a slight bow, holding his hands behind his back. He then turned and stuck out a hand to Mr. Goldblum, thanking him for his help then the man was gone with a pop. Just before he could return his attention to his children, a house elf appeared at his feet. The older elf gave his master a deep bow. His crooked nose nearly skimmed the floor.

"Good evening, master," the elf addressed Nott Sr. "Let me take your cloak." Without a word. Mr Nott removed his cloak, the elf snapped his fingers and it vanished.

"Bron, tell Quince to prepare dinner and have it served in the family dining room in one hour. Have Ena report to Miss. Nott's champers to help her prepare for dinner. I think she will suit my daughter well as her personal elf." Bron bowed again to his master and disappeared in a wisp. Mr. Nott then turned back to his children. "Theodore, show Hermione to her chambers and once she is settled meet me in my study."

"Yes Father." he answered with a slight nod. Mr. Nott walked off and through a door under the staircase and Theo made his way to the stairs. He only ascended the first two steps when he realized Hermione wasn't following him. He turned around to see that she was still standing at the center of the hall gazing blankly around the room. It was a grand entryway with dark wood paneled walls. The staircase started at the right and wound up the far wall to a landing on the left. Along with the door that Mr. Nott used, were four sets of double doors built seamlessly into the paneling, two to the left and two to the right. Ornate cherry wood tables were placed between the sets of doors. Atop the tables sat large celadon glazed ceramic vases filled with elaborately arranged bouquets. As she scanned the room her eyes fell on Theo who was patiently waiting for her.

Slowly, she made her way to him and they silently ascended the stairs together. The hall they were led to was similarly decorated to the entrance hall. It split off to the left and right. The opposite wall was lined with large windows overlooking the front drive. Hermione was unsure exactly where the estate was located but the surrounding lands were made up of rolling farmlands dotted with trees.

"Our wing is to the right." Theo placed his right hand on her back and gestured down the hall with his left as he led the way. "Father's wing is to the left but I can show you that way later on." Hermione remained quiet as they walked by two sets of doors. Theo pointed to the third door as they passed. "This is my room and yours is the next one down. I will be right next door if there is anything you ever need." She nodded in understanding as they continued on to what was to be her room. Theo pushed open the heavy wooden door and let her walk in first.

Hermione couldn't help the gasp that escaped her as she took in the enormous room. The whole of the Granger's upper floor could have fit into the excessive space. The wall panels were painted a soft cream and gold filigree crown molding framed the trey ceiling. In one corner was a large gilded fireplace circled by a chaise and winged armchair. Her personal books were already stacked on the bookshelves that stood on either side of the mantle. There was a writing table built into the bay window. In the other corner sat an antique vanity. Set against the center of the far wall was a grand four poster bed. Sheer gold silk curtains hung from the beams and the bed coverings were the same cream as the walls, weaved with gold thread in an intricate floral pattern. Her Hogwarts trunk had been placed at the foot of the bed.

"I hope you find everything to your liking. I helped pick the color scheme. Sometimes this place can feel so dark and lonely and I just wanted to make your room as bright and cheerful as possible." Theo was still standing in the doorway, hesitant to move farther into the room.

"Thank you, Theodore. It is beautiful." She spoke for the first time since arriving at the estate. He looked up with a shy smile and she returned it, if only to put him at ease.

"Please, call me Theo, father is the only person who calls me Theodore." He grimaced at the formal title. "Well," he continued, "I should let you change for dinner. The door next to your vanity leads to your wardrobe and the one next to that is to your private bath. Ena should be up soon to help you and I'll return just before six o'clock to escort you to dinner."

"Thank you, Theo." she called him this time. He turned to leave but stopped short before closing the door behind him.

"I know this must be a lot for you to take in, but if it's any consolation, I am very happy to have you here and to have a chance to get to know my sister. I only hope that one day we can be as close as we should have always been." and with that he left her to her thoughts.

The moment the latch clicked, Hermione sunk to the floor right there where she stood. Burying her face in her hands, she began to sob. This was a lot to take in. It was almost too much for the young witch to handle. How was it possible that in one moment she was Hermione Granger, muggle born, and in the very next she was Hermione Nott, pure blood. She now belonged to a family that stood against everything she was brought up to be. How could she possibly adjust to being part of a world that had tried so hard to keep her out. She could never fit into this family or their world. She could never follow the beliefs of her Death Eater father. She would not pretend to either. In that moment she had a small hope that they would consider her a blood traitor when she would refuse to change her views. Perhaps Mr. Nott would turn her out and she could return to the family that raised her and remain Hermione Granger. As the thought gave her strength her sobs lessened. She reminded herself, once again, that she was a Gryffindor and she could handle this. Just then, a small crack sounded from behind her.

"Good evening, young Mistress." the elf squeaked. Hermione turned to find a small pinkish elf with large violet eyes staring at her. Hermione quickly stood and hastily wiped the moisture from her face.

"Hello there," she said, "you must be Ena."

"Yes, Mistress, that's me. I'm here to help you get ready for dinner. And, Bron has told me that Master has chosen me to be your personal elf. It is an honor to serve the young Miss. We have all been working so hard to prepare for you to arrive. And here you are, just as beautiful as we have all imagined."

"Oh." Hermione blushed. She was not used to being called beautiful. Though the elf could just be saying that to appease her new Mistress.

"Now we haven't much time." Ena grabbed Hermione by the hand and led her to the vanity. "Sit here and Ena will fix up your hair." The elf picked up a sterling silver brush and began running it through her curls. With each stroke, the curls began to frizz and Hermione was surprised when a small giggle made its way up her throat at the horrified look on Ena's face.

"This won't do," Ena huffed and scrunched her brow in thought. After a moment, she clucked her tongue and huffed again. "Tonight we will try a simple braid. Tomorrow Ena will go to Diagon Alley and pick up some hair potions. Don't you worry, Ena will tame this mane before you return to Hogwarts. The elf quickly plaited her hair in a single braid starting from one side and ending over the opposite shoulder.

"Now let's do something about those puffy eyes, hmm." Ena passed her a tiny pot of cream and told her to apply a small amount around her eyes. Instantly the swelling dissipated. Next, Ena used a fluffy puff to apply a light powder all over her face, covering the red blotches. She finished the look with a clear gloss for her lips and a soft pink blush that gave her a natural rosy color. It was all so subtle but gave her a fresh faced appearance. No one would have guessed she had just been crying.

"Master will want you dressed in robes for dinner." Ena told her as she hopped off her stool and went into the closet. Hermione followed her into the closet and was not surprised to see it mostly empty, only the few things she had brought with her hung on the rods. There were, however, three sets of simple dress robes in black, blue and emerald, that Hermione had not seen before. Ena plucked the black set from the hanger and passed them to Hermione before leaving the closet so Hermione could dress. The robes were just a tad too big on her but Ena was quick to adjust them with a snap of her fingers.

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As the latch clicked behind him, Theo took a deep breath, exhaling slowly. It was true that he was grateful to have Hermione there but he was also worried. While she had given him a smile before leaving, he couldn't help but feel that it would be a long road ahead before they became close in the way he hoped. No matter though, he would do whatever it took to make her feel comfortable.

Remembering that he was expected in his father's study, he made his way down the hall. The study was midway down the left wing, just past several guest rooms but before Mr. Nott's private quarters. Theo raised his fist to knock but the door opened before his knuckles made contact with the wood. His father's voice beckoned him from inside.

"Sit down." He told Theo as he waved a hand towards the empty chair across from him. "How did she find her quarters?" He asked, not truly sounding interested.

"I believe she liked them, though I think it will take her some time to get used to being here." Theo admitted.

"Yes, well you will both be back at Hogwarts soon enough and I'm sure she will be fine. Now, before you do return to Hogwarts I want you to understand that you are to look after her. Given her close relationships with Mr. Potter and several other unsavory families, she could potentially be in danger. I urge you to encourage her to leave these relations behind and make more appropriate connections. I expect you will help her to understand and accept our pure blood traditions. She is a Nott and I expect her to behave like one."

"Yes, of course, father. I will do everything I can." Theo readily agreed. Mr Nott gave a satisfied nod.

"Good. Tonight we will make her an official Nott. After Dinner she will receive the Nott family crest." Mr. Nott said.

"But father, can't that wait?" Theo asked.

"And why should that wait." Mr. Nott sternly glared at his son for questioning him.

"It's just that she has been through so much today already. Perhaps it would be better if she had a few more days to adjust to her new situation. Give her some time to accept that she is a Nott before marking her." Theo was afraid that it would all be too overwhelming for her. He knew Hermione had that Gryffindor courage, but learning that you were adopted and are not who you thought you were can take its toll on even the strongest person.

Mr. Nott leaned back on his chair, resting his elbows on the armrests and steepling his fingers. He studied his son momentarily before mulling over what he had said.

"Fine," he conceded. "Tomorrow I have business with Gringotts and a meeting with Mr. Goldblum. I will return just after lunch. You will spend the morning showing Hermione the house and property and once you have had lunch you will bring her here to my study. She will receive the crest then." Mr. Nott said with finality. Theo could tell there was no arguing. At least he convinced his father to give her one night to adjust.

"Dinner will be ready soon, Theodore. Go now and change. I will see you both in the dining room shortly." Mr. Nott dismissed him. Theo rose from the chair and left the room without another word. He returned to his own room, changed into dress robes and ran a comb through his hair. It had become a bit unruly throughout the events of the last few hours. Fifteen minutes later he was back at Hermione's door ready to escort her to dinner.

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Hermione was slipping on the pair of black kitten heels Ena had transfigured from her tennis shoes when a knock sounded at the door. Ena rushed to open the door and Theo stepped in.

"Good evening, master Theodore. Miss Hermione is ready for dinner." Ena told him.

"Thank you, Ena." He smiled at the elf. "Why don't you return to the kitchen. I'm sure Quince will want help to finish dinner preparations."

"Of course, master Theodore." Ena gave him a slight curtsy, turned to Hermione and did the same before disapparating.

"You look lovely, Hermione. Are you ready? Father usually prefers that we arrive before him." He took a few steps towards her and stuck out his elbow for her to hold.

"Thank you. Yes, I suppose I'm as ready as I can be." She said softly as she kept her eyes on the floor. She tentatively reached for his waiting arm and let herself be led from the room. The two young Notts made their way back down the hall, down the stairs and through one of the wooden doors in the foyer. It led to a rather grand dining hall. The large windows that lined the wall to her right looked out onto a well manicured garden. At the center of the room sat a long table. The table could seat at least twenty people.

"This is the guest dining hall. We rarely use it unless father holds a meeting. The family dining room is just through that door there." Theo explained as he pointed towards the other end of the hall. The family dining room was a much more reasonable size with a table that could seat eight. Though the room was much smaller, it mirrored the decor of the guest hall. Again, windows lined the wall to the right but also the far wall as well, where a set of French doors opened to an intimate veranda. Three place settings had been arranged on the table. One at the head and the others to the right and left. Theo walked Hermione around the table before pulling out a chair and gesturing for her to sit. After she was settled, Theo walked to the other side and sat across from her.

Hermione had never seen such an elaborate setting for a family meal but had been to enough upscale restaurants to know which utensils to use and when. The two sat in uncomfortable silence until Mr. Nott arrived a few minutes later. As he took his spot at the head of the table, an elf Hermione had not yet seen, came through a swinging door behind her. He carried two pitchers. One with wine and the other with water. As the elf filled their glasses, Theo cleared his throat.

"Hermione, this is Deacon. He serves our meals any time we are in the dining rooms or on the veranda. Otherwise, I'm sure Ena will get you anything else you might want." Deacon bowed to her with the introduction before slipping back through the door that he came from. He returned a moment later serving the first course of salmon tartar. Mr. Nott and Theo wasted little time digging into the dish. Theo was half way done when he noticed Hermione had yet to touch her food. He sent her an encouraging smile. She was rather hungry after such a trying day and decided starving herself wouldn't make things any better so she picked up her fork and began eating. It wasn't until they had been served and finished their soup that anyone spoke again.

"Hermione, How do your chambers suit you?" Mr. Nott asked her. She was startled by the sudden interruption in the silence. It took her a second to register what he had asked.

"Oh, um," she mumbled, "they are very nice." she didn't know what else she could say.

"Tomorrow Theodore will take you on a tour of the grounds while I tend to some business in London." he continued. "I will be setting up a private vault at Gringotts for you and meeting with Mr. Goldblum to adjust family documents. After tomorrow, you will officially be a Nott." he told her proudly. Hermione could only nod in acceptance. The conversation halted as Deacon returned with the main course, a juicy roast with potatoes and a medley of vegetables. He waited until the elf returned to the kitchen before carrying on.

"Now that you are a Nott, there are certain expectations I have for you. It is important that you always represent the family well by following our pure blood traditions. I believe we have several books in the library on pure blood customs, proper etiquette and appropriate courting rituals." Hermione bulked at the mention of courting rituals. It all sounded so archaic. "Most witches your age have been studying these traditions for their entire lives. But, from what I understand, you are an intelligent witch and a quick learner. I must apologize to Theodore for chastising him all these years. For coming in third behind a mudblood in academics only to find out that mudblood was actually my own daughter." Mr. Nott chuckled lightly at the irony.

Hermione's fork fell with a clatter to her plate when she heard the derogatory term. Piercing the old man with a fiery glare. Theo at least had the decency to look ashamed of his father's foul language. Mr. Nott, however, seemed unfazed by the change in her demeanor and continued on.

"Nott's have always done well academically and I expect you both to keep that up in this coming year. If you can master our pure blood customs and maintain your high marks, I do believe we will be able to find you a very advantageous match." he reasoned.

"Father, don't you think it is a little early to be considering matrimony? I mean, we are only about to start our sixth year." Theo questioned.

"Not at all. You will both be of age in a few weeks. It is important that we secure a good match for Hermione sooner rather than later. We can't have her connected to an undesirable family. As for you, Theodore, I may already have some prospects in mind, though, some will not be of age for another year or two." he explained. "I will encourage you, Hermione, to spend time this year acquainting yourself with some of the families we are close with. The Parkinsons and the Greengrasses both have daughters in your year that would make excellent companions. While I cannot keep you from Potter and the Weasley boy, it would be wise to consider cutting those ties. The Weasleys are known blood traitors." It didn't matter to her what this man said, she would never stop being friends with Harry and Ron.

"If I may, father, wouldn't it be best to keep Hermione's identity a secret for a little longer. Since she is ignorant of our customs, it would be easy for some bloke to entangle her in an arrangement that could be unwelcome and improper." Theo suggested.

"Perhaps you are right, Theodore." he paused for a moment in thought. "Yes, that would be a good idea. We do not want anyone taking advantage of her to get to our fortune. We will wait to announce your identity for a while." Mr. Nott agreed. Though slightly offended at being called ignorant, Hermione threw Theo a grateful look. She wasn't ready for the world to know that she belonged to a family of blood purists.

The kitchen door swung open as Deacon returned to clear their plates and replace them with dessert. The family, if you could call it that, finished their meal without another word. It was nothing like dinner with her parents. They usually shared a tub of ice cream on the sofa and watched the news after dinner. The thought had reminded her that she promised to write them to let them know she was safe.

"Sir, after dessert, would it be possible for me to borrow an ow? I promised my parents I would write to them when I arrived. They are probably worried sick." she asked. Mr. Nott fixed her with an irritated sneer.

"Those people are not your parents." he ground out. "I am your father and you are a Nott." he said firmly. "Besides, they will have no idea who you are anymore." With that he rose from the table and left the room.

The realization hit her like a stupefy to the gut. Her eyes filled with tears and she pushed away from the table with such force the chair toppled to the floor. Hermione could vaguely hear Theo calling after her as she ran to her room. She threw herself to the bed and wept for the life and loved ones that had been ripped away from her. Things were never going to be the same.


A/N: thanks for reading! Sorry for the slow update. Hopefully I'll have a few more chapters done soon since I'm stuck in quarantine for the next few weeks. Stay safe and healthy.